Professor H.L. Anderson FRS

Research

Current Research Projects — Molecular Engineering

We design and synthesise new molecular materials, and explore how their properties relate to their molecular structures. This is "molecular engineering" – engineering at the nano-scale. We use non-covalent self-assembly to control the behaviour of organic semiconductors and dyes, for diverse applications. Our core technique is synthesis, but we also do many other types of experiments, from biological testing to solid-state physics. We explore the conformational, electronic and recognition properties of our compounds using a wide range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques, and we collaborate closely with physicists, physical chemists and biologists.

3. Single-Molecule Electronic Devices

Many new techniques have been developed recently for measuring the conductance of single molecules. We are exploring the design of molecular wires and transistors that can exploit the unique behaviour of single molecules, such as quantum interference. Current work involves contacting molecules to electrodes made from gold and graphene. [Key refs: Nanoscale2015, 7, 13181; Adv. Mater.2012, 24, 653; Nature Nanotech.2011, 6, 517]